The Gunnison country deer herds are — in the immortal words of anchorman Ron Burgundy — kind of a big deal. People know them.

And as Colorado Parks and Wildlife embarks on the initial stages of updating management plans for the three mule deer herds in the area, staff biologists are encouraging people to share their knowledge via a modern twist.

Management plans typically are revised every 10 years, taking into consideration biological factors such as population performance and habitat condition. But social factors such as hunter preferences and conflict issues also are measured, offering everyone a voice in the process.

For the first time, wildlife officials are offering online surveys to get statewide opinions on herd management. Three short surveys posted under “Things to Know” on the Parks and Wildlife website (wildlife.state.co.us) will be used by wildlife managers to learn more about the public’s attitudes toward mule deer and hunting in the Gunnison Basin.

“We want to hear from a wide range of people — local hunters, business owners, landowners, Colorado hunters, nonresident hunters and the general public — about their perceptions of, and preferences for, mule deer management in the Gunnison Basin,” said Brandon Diamond, CPW terrestrial wildlife biologist in Gunnison. “The more input and information we receive from the public, the better the plans we’ll be able to develop.”

The surveys will be posted through Aug. 10, but Diamond recommends those interested in the planning process fill them out before a pair of public meetings July 26 and Aug. 6.

The first of the public meetings discussing the management plans for the West Elk Herd in Game Management Unit 54, the Taylor River herd in GMUs 55 and 551 and the Powderhorn herd in GMUs 66 and 67 will be held from 5:30-8 p.m. on July 26 at the College Center building north ballroom at Western State University in Gunnison. A second meeting will be from 5:30-8 p.m. on Aug. 6, at the Coursey Annex (317 Henson St.) in Lake City.

At the meetings, wildlife officials will explain the process and timeline for establishing the new management plans, discuss the current status of each deer herd and discuss future management with the public. In addition to a formal presentation, they will offer an open-house setting where members of the public can discuss deer management with the local district wildlife managers for their areas.

Mark your calendars. Season dates for small game, furbearers and migratory birds have been established for 2012-13. The highlights:

Pheasant: Open statewide Nov. 10, closing Jan. 31 for hunters east of Interstate 25. West of I-25, the season closes Jan. 6.

Dusky grouse: Sept. 1 through Nov. 18.

Sharp tailed grouse: Sept. 1-16.

Chukar partridge: Sept. 1 through Nov. 30.

Quail: Nov. 10 through Jan. 31 east of I-25 and south of I-70. Nov. 10 through Jan. 6 in those units north of I-70 and most units west of I-25 (except Pueblo, Fremont, Huerfano and Las Animas counties).

Similar zones and season splits also were established for geese. A complete listing of season dates, bag limits and other regulations will be published in the Colorado Parks and Wildlife waterfowl brochure, available Sept. 1.